U.S. patent number 5,458,133 [Application Number 08/053,453] was granted by the patent office on 1995-10-17 for cover type endoscope apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Keiichi Arai, Yoshihiro Iida, Hideo Itoh, Shigeru Nakajima, Akira Suzuki, Osamu Tamada, Yoshio Tashiro, Hisao Yabe, Minoru Yamazaki.
United States Patent |
5,458,133 |
Yabe , et al. |
October 17, 1995 |
Cover type endoscope apparatus
Abstract
A cover type endoscope apparatus includes a cover, a covered
endoscope which is inserted into this cover and used, and a cover
holder for holding various peripheral units connected to the
covered endoscope and the cover, wherein an indication device for
indicating whether or not an apparatus should handle a clean area
in a sterile state or other area is provided in each of the
components.
Inventors: |
Yabe; Hisao (Hachioji,
JP), Itoh; Hideo (Hachioji, JP), Tashiro;
Yoshio (Hino, JP), Iida; Yoshihiro (Tama,
JP), Suzuki; Akira (Hachioji, JP),
Yamazaki; Minoru (Hachioji, JP), Tamada; Osamu
(Hachioji, JP), Nakajima; Shigeru (Hachioji,
JP), Arai; Keiichi (Hachioji, JP) |
Assignee: |
Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
(Tokyo, JP)
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Family
ID: |
27279317 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/053,453 |
Filed: |
April 28, 1993 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
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Mar 15, 1993 [JP] |
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5-011194 U |
Mar 15, 1993 [JP] |
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5-011195 U |
Mar 15, 1993 [JP] |
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5-011196 U |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/122; 600/109;
600/124; 600/133 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
1/00142 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
1/00 (20060101); A61B 001/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;128/4,6,917,918,919,844 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0184778 |
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0310515 |
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0338567 |
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0341718 |
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EP |
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0341719 |
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EP |
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0349479 |
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EP |
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0440252 |
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EP |
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0440254 |
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0444429 |
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3909290 |
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DE |
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51-47587 |
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Apr 1976 |
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JP |
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51-103891 |
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JP |
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52-95284 |
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JP |
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58-44033 |
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JP |
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62-177701 |
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Nov 1987 |
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JP |
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1-140902 |
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Sep 1989 |
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JP |
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2-57228 |
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Feb 1990 |
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JP |
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2-54734 |
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Nov 1990 |
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JP |
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3-13105 |
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Feb 1991 |
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JP |
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3-29634 |
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Feb 1991 |
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JP |
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3-29635 |
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Feb 1991 |
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JP |
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3-37029 |
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Feb 1991 |
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JP |
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3-37030 |
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Feb 1991 |
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JP |
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3-221024 |
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Sep 1991 |
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JP |
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3-101901 |
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Oct 1991 |
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JP |
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3-101902 |
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Oct 1991 |
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JP |
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3-101903 |
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Oct 1991 |
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JP |
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3-101904 |
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Oct 1991 |
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JP |
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3-101905 |
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Oct 1991 |
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JP |
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3-101906 |
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Oct 1991 |
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JP |
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3-101907 |
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Oct 1991 |
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JP |
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4-325138 |
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Nov 1992 |
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JP |
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Primary Examiner: Apley; Richard J.
Assistant Examiner: Flanagan; Beverly M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Armstrong, Westerman, Hattori,
McLeland & Naughton
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cover type endoscope apparatus, comprising:
a cover; and
a covered endoscope which is inserted into this cover and used,
wherein an operation portion cover for covering the operation
portion of said covered endoscope is formed of a hard cover portion
for covering the gripping portion of the operation portion of said
covered endoscope and a soft cover portion for covering control
switches disposed in the operation portion of said covered
endoscope.
2. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the inner surface of said hard cover portion is shaped
substantially the same as the outer surface of said covered
endoscope, and said covered endoscope has an outer shape which is
easy to grip and has non-slipping means.
3. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
non-slipping means is disposed on the operation portion cover.
4. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
said non-slipping means are projected and recessed portions which
are integrally formed on both the obverse and reverse surfaces of
the hard cover portion.
5. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
said non-slipping means is an elastic member disposed on both the
obverse and reverse surfaces of the hard cover portion.
6. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
said non-slipping means is disposed on an inside surface touching
the operation portion cover.
7. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
said non-slipping means is disposed on an outside surface at which
a hand of an operator touches.
8. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said hard cover portion is formed of a cover box portion and a
cover lid portion, the cover box portion being connected to the
cover lid portion by means of a locking member so that the hard
cover portion can be opened and closed as desired.
9. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to one of claims 8,
or 10, wherein a sealing member is disposed in the opening/closing
portion formed of said box portion and said lid portion.
10. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said hard cover portion is separately formed of a box portion and a
lid portion so that it can be assembled and disassembled as
desired.
11. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said soft cover portion is welded with the hard cover portion in a
water-tight manner.
12. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the soft cover portion is a transparent cover.
13. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the cover for covering a group of buttons in said soft cover
portion is formed of elastic members.
14. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said hard cover portion has resistance to sterilization ethylene
oxide, to radiation, to chemicals and to autoclave.
15. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said operation portion cover includes a soft cover portion for
housing a bending operation portion provided in said covered
endoscope.
16. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said soft cover portion covers a bending operation portion of said
covered endoscope.
17. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said soft cover portion covers tube control switches of said
covered endoscope.
18. A cover type endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said soft cover portion covers image control switches of said
covered endoscope.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cover type endoscope apparatus
for examining body cavities, such endoscope apparatus having a
covered endoscope mounted thereon.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, endoscopes have come to be widely used not only in
the industrial, but in the medical field as well. In the medical
field, endoscopes are inserted into the living beings so as to
observe or treat diseased parts. Since it is inserted into living
beings, a patient's body liquids or mucin may adhere to the
observation window disposed on the tip portion of the insertion
portion of the endoscope, making it impossible to fully observe
diseased parts. Accordingly, an endoscope apparatus is provided
with an air and water supply mechanism, capable of supplying liquid
to an observation window, for cleaning and blowing off water
remaining on the observation window by using supplied air. These
air and water supply functions are performed via air and water
supply tubes by operating buttons disposed on the hand side of the
endoscope.
Some endoscopes are provided with a suction tube for sucking in
waste or mucin from living beings and discharging them outside the
living beings, and with a treatment tool channel (a clamp channel)
through which a treatment tool is passed for performing treatment.
As described above, a plurality of sucion tubes, treatment tool
channels or the like as well as air and water supply tubes are
provided.
It is necessary to quickly clean and sterilize endoscopes which
have been used for treatment so that it can be used for the next
patient. However, the process for completely cleaning and
sterilizing the endoscope is laborious and time-consuming, causing
reduced efficiency.
Due to the above, recently, such a cover type endoscope apparatus
is used that the cleaning and sterilizing of an endoscope is
simplified by using, for each case, the endoscope covered with a
cover and discarding the cover after the treatment is finished.
Only the tubes to be opened inside the living beings of a patient
are provided on the cover side of this type of endoscope. The cover
type endoscope provided with observation means or illumination
means is covered with a cover so as to prevent it from being
directly in contact with living beings.
The above cover type endoscopes have been disclosed in, for
example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,646,722 and 3,162,190.
When the cover type endoscope apparatus is used for examination or
the like, it has been required that this apparatus be classified as
an apparatus which should be used in a clean area where a sterile
state must be reliably secured immediately before examination and
an apparatus which should be used in an area other than the clean
area (hereinafter described as a general area) and that
preparation, examination, treatment and disposal thereof be
performed. Therefore, since persons in charge of their respective
areas reliably manage apparatuses in areas in charge on their own
responsibility and have always made efforts to perform careful and
quick operations while they accurately judge which apparatus is to
be used in a clean area so that the clean area is not
contaminated.
However, with cover type endoscope apparatuses, indications such
that which apparatus should be used in a clean or general area have
not been made. Therefore, working with a cover type endoscope
apparatus is a frustrating operation such that the mental strain
continues because the operator cannot make a quick judgment whether
the apparatus should be used in a clean or a general area.
As shown in FIG. 1, a cover 100 which covers a cover type endoscope
apparatus is formed of: an insertion portion cover portion 101 into
which a Cover type endoscope insertion portion 111 is inserted; an
operation portion cover 102, formed of a soft, thin resin sheet,
which covers a cover type endoscope operation portion cover 112;
and a universal cord cover 103, formed of a soft, thin resin sheet,
which covers a cover type endoscope universal cord 113.
However, an operation for covering an operation portion of the
cover type endoscope which has a complex curved surface or
irregular portions with a sheet cover in a liquid-tight manner and
in such a manner as to be capable of easily grasping it, or for
covering a universal cord extending from the cover type endoscope,
an extending tube disposed on the cover or the like integrally and
in liquid-sealing manner, is a difficult operation requiring
dexterity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a cover type
endoscope apparatus for which it can be reliably and easily
determined whether it should be used in a clean or a general
area.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a cover
type endoscope apparatus which is capable of being covered easily
in a liquid-tight manner without deteriorating grasping
characteristics or maneuverability of the cover type endoscope
operation portion.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a
cover type endoscope apparatus which is capable of easily
integrally covering a universal cord extending from the cover type
endoscope, a tube extending from the cover or the like.
In short, the cover type endoscope apparatus in accordance with the
present invention comprises: a cover which constitutes a cover type
endoscope; a cover type endoscope which is inserted into a cover
and used; various peripheral units connected to the cover type
endoscope; and a cover holder for holding the cover. The cover type
endoscope apparatus is provided with indication means for
indicating whether an apparatus should be operated in a sterilized,
clean or other area.
The above and further objects and novel features of the invention
will more fully appear from the following detailed description when
the same is read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It
is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for
the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as a
definition of the limits of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the
construction of the cover of a conventional cover type
endoscope;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the construction of a
cover type endoscope apparatus in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating the construction of a work
glove in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the construction of a
cover holder in accordance with a third embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 5 is s sectional view illustrating an overtube which passes
through an insertion portion cover portion of the cover in
accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a modification of the
overtube in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an operation portion cover of the
cover type endoscope in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 8 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow A of FIG.
7;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a non-slipping member of
the operation portion cover of the cover type endoscope;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the construction of the
operation portion cover of the cover type endoscope in accordance
with a modification of the fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 11 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow B of FIG.
10;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view when an operation portion cover of
the cover type endoscope is assembled;
FIG. 13 is an illustration showing a method of connecting the
operation portion cover of the cover type endoscope of FIG. 12 to
the insertion portion cover cover;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the operation portion
cover of an optical endoscope in accordance with an application
example of the fifth embodiment;
FIG. 15 is an illustration showing means for connecting a universal
cord cover in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the construction of the
universal cord cover in accordance with a modification of the sixth
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the
universal cord cover is mounted in accordance with the modification
of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18 illustrates a state in which the universal cord cover is
mounted in accordance with the modification of the sixth embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 19 illustrates a state in which the universal cord cover is
mounted in accordance with another modification of the sixth
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is a sectional view illustrating the construction of X-ray
observation means in the tip portion of the insertion portion cover
in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 21 is a sectional view illustrating another construction of
the X-ray observation means in the tip portion of the insertion
portion cover in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 22(a) is a front view of the insertion portion cover
illustrating mounting/dismounting means in accordance with an
eighth embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 22(b) is a sectional view illustrating the construction of the
mounting/dismounting means in accordance with the eighth embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The first embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG.
2.
As shown in FIG. 2, a cover type endoscope apparatus 1 of the first
embodiment comprises a cover type endoscope 2 and a cover holder 2
for holding various peripheral units and the cover type endoscope
2. The cover type endoscope 2 comprises a cover 3 and a covered
endoscope 4. The various peripheral units connected to the cover
type endoscope 2 are housed in a cart 5.
The various peripheral units housed in the cart 5 include a light
source apparatus 7 for supplying illumination light to an
illumination optical system of the cover type endoscope 4 inserted
into body cavities; a video processor 8 for displaying an endoscope
image on a monitor (which will be described later) through a
connection cable 47a connected to a connector 47 of the covered
endoscope 4 by converting electrical signals from an imaging
element disposed in an observation optical system of the covered
endoscope 4 inserted into body cavities into video signals; a fluid
control apparatus 9 for supplying water and air and sucking them,
to which apparatus a water supply tube 91, an air supply tube 92
and a suction tube 93 are connected; an endoscope cover expander 10
(hereinafter referred to as an expander) which supplies air to the
endoscope cover 3 so as to enable the covered endoscope 4 to be
easily mounted or removed. A monitor 11 on which an endoscope image
is displayed is placed on the top plate of the cart 5.
The cover type endoscope apparatus 1 is provided with indication
means 30 for indicating a clean area of the parts which constitute
the cover type endoscope apparatus 1, in which area a sterilized
state must be reliably maintained, or other general area.
A tape, for example, a blue colored tape 30B for indicating a clean
area is affixed on an insertion portion cover 3a of the cover 3
which is regarded as a clean area of the cover type endoscope
apparatus 1, an operation portion cover 3b and a universal cord
cover 3c. A tape, for example, a yellow colored tape 30Y, for
indicating a general area is affixed on the covered endoscope 4, a
connection cable 47a, a connection cable connector 47b, an
extension tube 10a, a cover holder 6, the connector 47 for a
universal cord or the like, all of the foregoing are regarded as
general areas.
Since the blue tape 30B is affixed on the indication means 30 to
indicate a clean area and a yellow tape 30Y is affixed thereon to
indicate a general area as described above, a person in charge can
easily recognize whether an area is a clean or a general area.
When an endoscope examination is carried out by using a cover type
endoscope apparatus as described above, a person in charge of a
work area is able to easily and quickly recognize whether an area
is a clean or a general area. Therefore, since the operator can
recognize whether he is working in a clean area or a general area,
he can work without having to be too careful, and thus the clean
area can be prevented from being inadvertently contaminated.
The indication means for indicating whether an area is a clean or a
general area of the cover type endoscope apparatus is not limited
to being a blue or yellow tape. Rather, in the indication means,
colors to be displayed and display areas may be appropriately
combined. Also, the indication means is not limited to being a
color display, but symbols or characters may be used, or a
combination of symbols and characters may be used.
Besides the above-described use, the indication means may be used
as described below. When an endoscope examination is to be carried
out, usually a check is made to determine whether a patient has an
infectious disease, such as viral hepatitis, in an examination
before the endoscope examination is carried out. Therefore, it is
possible to separate apparatuses used for patients having an
infectious disease from those used for general patients and
separately discard the apparatuses (except in an emergency) because
whether a patient has an infectious disease is known. However, even
if apparatuses are separately discarded, it is impossible for those
not in charge of the apparatuses to make a judgment whether they
have been used for patients with an infectious disease.
Accordingly, when the cover type endoscope apparatus 1 is used for
a patient with an infectious disease, a tape, for example, a red
tape, is affixed on apparatuses to be used for a patient with an
infectious disease beforehand to indicate that the apparatuses are
to be used for a patient with an infectious disease.
The affixing of a red tape indicating that a cover type endoscope
apparatus is to be used for a patient with an infectious disease in
the above-described way makes it possible for a person in charge to
recognize beforehand that a patient has an infectious disease.
Further, apparatuses used for patients with an infectious disease
can be discarded with accuracy separately from general apparatuses
used for general patiens. In addition, the affixing of a red tape
on discarded apparatuses makes it possible for doctors other than
the dosctor in charge or nurses to easily recognize that discarded
apparatuses have been used for a patient with an infectious
disease.
It goes without saying that indication means for indicating that an
apparatus is to be used for a patient with an infectious disease
can be used in the same way as indication means for indicating a
clean or general area is not limited to being a red tape, but any
desired color may be selected. Furthermore, the indication means is
not limited to being a color display, but symbols or characters may
be used, or a combination of symbols and characters may be
used.
In a case where one person should be in charge and this person has
to work in both clean and general areas alternately, it is
necessary to wear work gloves suitable for each of these work
areas. However, since work gloves which has been used hitherto fits
the hands of a wearer too tightly, it is very difficult to take off
these work gloves. Therefore, there is a risk in that when a work
glove is replaced hastily or removed carelessly, stains may adhere
to a clean area. Accordingly, work gloves are formed as described
below.
As shown in FIG. 3, a work glove 50 in accordance with the second
embodiment is formed of a hand insertion opening portion 51 formed
in such a manner as to maintain a substantially circular shaped
opening, and an elastic glove 52 formed in such a manner as to
maintain the shape of the hand unless an external force is applied
thereto. That is, during normal use of the work glove 50, the
elastic glove 52 maintains the shape of a hand and the hand
insertion opening portion 51 is open. As shown in the figure, a
removable tape, for example, a perchlo tape 53, may be provided on
the finger tip portions 54 of the work glove 50, and a sheet-like
perchlo tape 55 may be provided on a work table so that the hand
insertion opening portion 51 of the work glove 50 stands upright
with it's opening upward.
Since a work glove is formed of a hand insertion opening portion
and an elastic glove as described above, a hand can be easily
inserted into the work glove and easily removed therefrom by
relaxing the hand. Two sets of the work gloves may be prepared, and
a particular color indicating whether a set of gloves is to be used
in a clean or a general area may be applied to each of the two sets
of gloves in the same way as in the above-described embodiment so
that their workability can be improved. In addition, the work glove
may be formed in such a way that it can stand on its own. As such a
work glove can be reused after it is cleaned and sterilized,
resources can be more efficiently used.
Hitherto, a cover holder has been used only when the covered
endoscope 4 is inserted into a cover. However, no consideration is
given to the location where a covered endoscope removed from a
cover which has been used after an endoscope examination is
finished is placed. Therefore, a cover holder is constructed as
described below.
As shown in FIG. 4, the cover holder 6 in accordance with the third
embodiment is provided with a cover holding portion 61 and a
covered endoscope holding portion 62. An division plate 63 is
provided between the cover holding portion 61 and the covered
endoscope holding portion 62. Further, in the same way as in the
above-described first embodiment, the tape 30Y for indicating a
general area is affixed on the covered endoscope holding portion
side, and the tape 30B for indicating a clean area is affixed on
the cover holding portion side.
Since there is no need to prepare a covered endoscope holder for
holding the covered endoscope since the cover holder is provided
with a cover holding portion and a covered endoscope holding
portion as described above, the space of the cover type endoscope
apparatus can be saved and workability can be improved.
Covers are stored in a condition in which they are sterilized and
put into bags. When the cover type endoscope apparatus is to be
used, a person in charge of a clean area takes out a cover.
However, because the insertion portion cover portion to which a
cover endoscope is inserted is long, there is a risk in that the
sterilized state of the insertion portion cover portion cannot be
maintained if an inexperienced person handles the insertion portion
cover portion. Therefore, the cover endoscope is sometimes mounted
in a condition in which the insertion portion cover portion taken
out of a bag is inserted beforehand into an overtube which covers
the insertion portion cover portion so that the sterilized state of
the insertion portion cover portion can be maintained with ease
whoever is in charge. However, when the cover endoscope is inserted
into an endoscope insertion hole disposed in the insertion portion
cover portion inserted into the overtube, the expansion function
provided in the insertion portion cover portion cannot be
efficiently used. Accordingly, the overtube which covers the
insertion portion cover portion is constructed as described
below.
As shown in FIG. 5, an overtube 71 in accordance with the fourth
embodiment is formed of a cover insertion hole 72 into which the
insertion portion cover portion 3a which covers the cover endoscope
is inserted and an expansion mouth portion 173 which leads up to
the cover insertion hole 72. Two O rings which form an expansion
tube for supplying air supplied from the expansion mouth portion
173 formed in the overtube 71 are disposed in the insertion portion
cover portion insertion opening side of the cover insertion hole
72.
The overtube 71 formed in the above-described way will now be
explained.
Initially, when the insertion portion cover portion 3a is inserted
into the cover insertion hole 72, the insertion portion cover
portion 3a is brought into close contact between the two O rings
75. Thus, an expansion tube is formed which leads up to an
expansion hole 22a formed in the insertion portion cover portion
3a. When air is supplied to the expansion mouth portion 173 formed
in the overtube 71, air is supplied to the expansion hole 22a
formed in the insertion portion cover portion 3a, causing an
endoscope insertion hole 78 of the insertion portion cover portion
3a to expand.
In this way, by providing 0 rings which serve as an air supply tube
for the expansion holes of the expansion mouth portion and the
insertion portion cover portion in the overtube, even the insertion
portion cover portion inserted into the overtube can be expanded
easily. As a result, since a sterilized state can be maintained by
placing the insertion portion cover portion of the cover endoscope
within the overtube immediately before an examination, handling the
cover endoscope is easy, the load of the person in charge is
reduced, and workability is improved.
Besides, since the insertion portion cover portion is inserted into
the overtube and the endoscope insertion hole provided in the
insertion portion cover portion is expanded, the insertion portion
cover portion can be prevented from being deteriorated due to
over-expansion.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, a stepped portion 77 for locking
an overtube is formed in a fixation mouth portion 76 of the
insertion portion cover portion 3a, and the overtube 71 is locked
to the stepped portion 77. As a result, the clean state of the
insertion portion cover portion 3a positioned on the tip portion
side from the fixation mouth portion 76 of the insertion portion
cover portion 3a can be maintained. The endoscope insertion hole 78
of the insertion portion cover portion 3a can be expanded in a
condition in which the overtube 71 is mounted.
Covering the operation portion having a complex curved surface or
irregular portions of the cover type endoscope with a sheet cover
in a liquid-tight manner and in such a manner as to be capable of
easily grasping it is a difficult operation requiring great
dexterity. For this reason, there has been a demeand for an
operation portion cover which is capable of covering the cover
endoscope easily in a liquid-tight manner without deteriorating
grasping characteristics and maneuverability.
Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an operation portion cover
410 in the fifth embodiment is formed of a soft cover portion 420
for covering a group of control switches 49 and curved operation
knobs disposed on an operation portion 41 of the covered endoscope
4, and a hard cover portion 430 for covering the grip portion of
the operation portion 41 or the like other than the above. The hard
cover portion 430 is shaped in substantially the same shape as the
outer shape of the operation portion 41 of the covered endoscope 4.
The outer shape is a highly stable shape in which emphasis is
placed on gripping characteristics. The hard cover portion 430 is
formed of a cover box portion 431 and a cover lid portion 432 so
that the operation portion 41 of the covered endoscope 4 can be
easily covered with the operation portion cover 410.
A notch 433 is provided in the cover lid portion 432 so that a
universal cord extension portion 46a formed in the operation 41 of
the covered endoscope 4 is positioned. In the cover box portion
431, a button cover 421 is integrally disposed in a water-tight
manner so that it fits the soft cover portion 420 with which the
control switches 49 of the operation portion 41 are covered.
A notch is formed on the opposite cover lid portion side of the
cover box portion 431 so that a curved operation knob mounted on an
operation portion 41 can be arranged. A resin sheet 422 is welded
in this notch so that the water-tightness of the endoscope cover 3b
can be maintained and the curved operation knob can be manupulated
at will.
In addition, the cover box portion 431 is connected to the cover
lid portion 432 by means of a hinge portion 434 in the hard cover
portion 430, thus the hard cover portion 430 is formed as one piece
in which it can be opened and closed as desired. Since a claw
portion 435 formed in the cover lid portion 432 is locked to an
locking portion 436 formed in the cover box portion 431, the cover
lid portion 432 and the cover box portion 431 are made into one
piece.
To ensure water-tightness when the cover box portion 431 and the
cover lid portion 432 are made into one piece, an elastic sealing
member 437 is disposed on the surface on which the cover box
portion 431 closely contacts the cover lid portion 432, and the
elastic sealing member 437 is disposed on the surface on which the
cover lid portion 432 closely contacts the universal cord extension
portion.
A plurality of protruding, circular-shaped non-slipping members 438
or bar-shaped non-slipping members 439 shown in FIG. 9 are
integrally formed on both the obverse and reverse surfaces of the
grip portion of the hard cover portion 430. The non-slipping
members 439 formed of an elastic member for preventing positional
deviation from the operation portion 41 of the covered endoscope 4
are disposed on both the obverse and reverse surfaces of the cover
lid portion 432.
The operation of the operation portion cover 3a constructed as
described above will now be explained.
Initially, the cover lid portion 432 of the operation portion cover
3a is fully opened, and the operation portion 41 of the covered
endoscope 4 is mounted. At this time, the group of control switches
49 and the curved operation knobs disposed on an operation portion
41 are mounted in accordance with a predetermined position of the
soft cover portion 420.
Next, the cover lid portion 432 is closed in accordance with the
cover box portion 431. Hereupon, the sealing member 437 and the
non-slipping members 439 formed on the inner surface of the cover
lid portion 432 are brought into contact with the universal cord
extension portion, the operation portion grip portion and the like,
increasing the sensation of resistance, making it a little
difficult to close the cover lid portion 432 in accordance with the
cover box portion 431.
Further, as a result of the cover lid portion 432 being closed, the
claw portion 435 formed in the cover lid portion 432 is locked to
the locking portion 436 formed in the cover box portion 431,
causing the operation portion 41 of the covered endoscope 4 to be
covered in a water-tight manner.
Since the operation portion cover is formed of hard and soft cover
portions, it can cover the covered endoscope without deteriorating
the gripping characteristics and maneuverability of the covered
endoscope operation portion. Further, since the hard cover portion
is formed of the cover box portion and the cover lid portion, it is
possible to considerably shorten the time required to mount a cover
in the operation portion of the covered endoscope in a condition in
which the water-tightness is maintained, greatly improving the
workability. In addition, the sensation of gripping during an
operation is stabilized since a non-slipping member for preventing
the hand of the operator from slipping is formed in the gripping
portion of the operation portion cover and since a non-slipping
member for preventing a positional deviation of the covered
endoscope operation portion is formed on the inner surface of the
cover lid portion.
Next, a modification of the operation portion cover will be
explained with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.
In this embodiment, the operation portion cover 3a is engineering
plastic, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, having excellent
resistance to heat and chemicals and having excellent strength.
As shown in FIG. 10, the endoscope cover 3b is separately formed of
the cover box portion 431 and the cover lid portion 432. Switch
covers 421 formed of mobile silicon rubber and fluorine rubber are
disposed in the cover box portion 431 in such a manner as to
correspond to the group of control switches 49, thus forming the
soft cover portion 420. A universal cord extension portion 441 is
formed in the cover box portion 431 and the cover lid portion 432
in the portion corresponding to the universal cord. A locking
portion 442 for locking the universal cord cover 3c, or the like is
formed around the outer periphery of the extension portion 441.
It is necessary to quickly and integrally form and fix the cover
box portion 431 and the cover lid portion 432 of the endoscope
cover 3b to the operation portion 41 of the covered endoscope 4.
Therefore, a plurality of fixation holes 443 . . . are formed in
the cover box portion 431 as means for fixing the cover box portion
431 and the cover lid portion 432 as one piece, and a plurality of
projections 444 which are inserted into the fixation holes 443 are
formed in the cover lid portion 432.
As shown in FIG. 11, an angle hole 445 from which an angle shaft
48a of the covered endoscope 4 protrudes is formed in the cover box
portion 431.
A thin filmy sealing member 446 is provided around the fixation
holes 443 disposed in the cover box portion 431. The sealing member
446 is also provided in the angle hole 445 into which the angle
shaft 48a is inserted. Thus, they are sealed in such a way that no
problem is caused in the rotation of the angle shaft 48a. Also, a
plurality of projections 447 which serve as non-slipping members
are formed in the gripping portion of the operation portion cover
3b.
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in the endoscope cover
3b, an locking portion 448 is disposed in each of the cover box
portion 431 and the cover lid portion 432 to make it possible to
integrally lock to the fixation mouth portion 76 of the insertion
portion cover portion.
Next, the operation of the operation portion cover 3a constructed
as described above will be explained.
Initially, the operation portion 41 of the covered endoscope 4 is
housed in the cover box portion 431. Next, the projections 444 of
the cover lid portion 432 are inserted into the fixation holes 44
of the cover box portion 431. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12,
the angle shaft 48a of the covered endoscope 4 protrudes from the
angle hole 445 formed in the cover box portion 431 in a condition
in which the angle shaft 48a is covered with the sealing member
446. A curved operation knob 48 is fixed to the projecting angle
shaft 48a. Finally, the universal cord cover 3c is connected to the
locking portion 442 of the universal cord extension portion 441 in
a water-tight manner.
As the operation portion cover is divided into a cover box portion
and a cover lid portion and formed by engineering plastic having
excellent resistance to heat and chemicals and having excellent
resistance to repeated bending of hinge by taking into
consideration repeated assembly characteristics, water-tightness
and workability in the above-described way, it can be repeatedly
used as a result of performing a sterilization process, such as
ethylene oxide gas sterilization, autoclave sterilization, medical
fluid sterilization, or radiation sterilization. This is
economical, and resources can be more efficiently used.
Further, since the disposal curved operation knob is not covered
with a resin sheet, the sensation of fingers is directly
transmitted to the curved operation knob, thus improving
maneuverability for a curve.
In addition, as a common operation portion cover is used for a
covered endoscope having a plurality of operation buttons of
different specifications, it is possible to make common the
operation portion of the covered endoscope. The common use of the
operation portion cover makes it possible to standardize the
operation for covering the covered endoscope and to improve the
skill in the operation, and also to eliminate contamination and
damage caused by erroneous assembly.
Next, an explanation will be given of an operation portion cover
when an optical covered endoscope is used for a covered endoscope
as an example of the application of the operation portion
cover.
As shown in FIG. 14, the covered endoscope is a fiberscope. In an
endoscope cover 3b', an eyepiece 450 of the fiberscope is covered
with a soft, thin resin sheet 451, and an eyepiece mounted in the
tip portion of the eyepiece 450 is integrally welded with the resin
sheet 451.
A transparent plastic eyepiece 453 is disposed in the substantially
central portion of an eyepiece cap 452 in a water-tight manner. A
diopter adjustment ring 454 of the fiberscope is covered with the
resin sheet 451 with an allowance in such a manner as to be
rotatable. A notch 455 for permitting the universal cord extension
portion to escape is formed lengthwise in the cover box portion
431. Other components are the same as those of the operation
portion cover 3b which covers an electronic endoscope, and are
given the same reference numerals.
In this way, the operation portion of the optical endoscope can be
easily covered in the same manner as the operation portion of the
electronic endoscope. Other operations and advantages are the same
as those of the operation portion cover which covers the electronic
endoscope.
Covering the universal cord extending from the covered endoscope
and a plurality of tubes extending from the cover integrally in a
water-tight manner is a difficult operation requiring a
considerable skill. Therefore, there has been a demand for a
universal cord cover which is capable of covering the universal
cord extending from the covered endoscope and a plurality of tubes
extending from the cover integrally in a water-tight manner.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the universal cord cover 3c in
accordance with the sixth embodiment is the soft, thin resin sheet
51. A bonding portion 52 serving as bonding means 52 is provided on
the end surface on one side along the long side of the resin sheet
51 and on the end surfaces on both sides along the short side of
the resin sheet 51.
The bonding means 52 has a highly close contact; for example,
contact with the obverse and reverse surfaces of the resin sheet
51, or contact with a metallic member or a resin member is
excellent.
The operation of the resin sheet 51 formed as described above will
now be explained.
The insertion portion 42 and the operation portion 41 of the
covered endoscope 4 are covered with the insertion portion cover 3a
and the operation portion cover 3b, respectively.
Initially, the universal cord 46 extending from the covered
endoscope 4 and the water supply tube 91 extending from the cover 3
are collected together by a tube holder 53 disposed in the vicinity
of the operation portion of the covered endoscope 4. Next, the
bonding portion 52 provided on an end surface along the short side
of the resin sheet 51 is affixed to the tube holder 53, and the
bonding portion 52 provided on the other end surface along the
short side is affixed to the connector 47 of the universal cord 46.
Next, the resin sheet 51 is wound around the tube holder 53 and the
connector 47. Hereupon, the bonding portion 52 disposed on both end
surfaces of the resin sheet 51 is gradually wound around the tube
holder 46 and the connector 47 while the resin sheet 51 is in close
contact with them and forms a substantially cylindrical tube.
Finally, the bonding portion 52 provided along the long side is
bonded thereto, and thus the substantially cylindrical universal
cord cover 3a is completed.
As the bonding portion serving as bonding means is provided on the
resin sheet which forms the universal cord cover in the
above-described way, it is possible to integrally and beautifully
bundle a universal cord and a tube quickly and easily so that a
covered universal cord cover can be formed.
Next, another example of the bonding means will be explained with
reference to FIGS. 16 to 18.
As shown in the figures, regarding the bonding means 50 disposed in
the resin sheet 51, the projection portion 54 formed in the end
portion of a resin sheet 51' in place of the bonding portion 52 in
accordance with the above-described embodiment fits into a recess
55 to achieve a close contact.
As the bonding means 50 of the resin sheet 51 is formed in such a
way that the projection portion 54 is fitted into the recess 55 in
the above-described way, the bonding means 50 can be used for a
plurality of purposes. Therefore, it is possible to reuse the resin
sheet 51 after it is sterilized, and resources can be more
efficiently used. Other advantages and operations are the same as
in the above-described embodiment.
It is also possible to obtain the same advantages and operations as
those of the resin sheet 51' by providing a fastener 56 as the
bonding means 50 in the resin sheet 51, as shown in FIG. 19.
Although the cover provided with a water supply tube have been
explained in this embodiment, the tube provided in the cover is not
limited to a water supply tube, but a suction tube or an air supply
tube may also be provided. An insertion portion cover having no
tube may also be used.
In the conventional covered endoscope, when an examination is
carried out in combination with X-rays, the tip portion 33 of the
cover type endoscope cannot be reflected by X-rays. Therefore,
when, for example, lower part digestive organs are examined, it is
not easy to confirm where the tip portion of the covered endoscope
is positioned in a case where the covered endoscope is moved
through the winding organs. Accordingly, the covered endoscope is
formed as described below so that a covered endoscope examination
can be carried out in combination with X-ray observation.
That is, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in the insertion portion
cover 3a in accordance with the seventh embodiment, the tip forming
portion 32a is formed from a resin material to which metallic
powders are mixed (FIG. 20), or a metallic air and water supply
nozzle 24a is disposed in the tip forming portion 32a (FIG.
21).
As the tip forming portion is formed from a resin material to which
metallic powders are mixed, the tip portion of the covered
endoscope can be reflected as an X-ray image when an endoscope
examination is carried out in combination with X-ray observation.
As a result, since the operator is able is perform an examination
while confirming the tip portion of the covered endoscope, the
workability during examination is greatly improved, making it
possible to quickly perform an appropriate examination. The tip
forming portion and the insertion portion cover integumentum may be
made impermeable to X-rays so that the entire cover can be
reflected as an X-ray image. A metallic chip may be buried within
the tip forming portion instead of mixing metallic powders
thereto.
The cover of the covered endoscope may contact mucous membranes or
bleeding affected parts during an examination. Therefore, a cover
integumentum 33, a tip forming portion 32 of the insertion portion
cover 3a, an air and water supply nozzle 24 and the like, shown in
FIGS. 20 and 21, are formed from materials compatible with living
beings, for example, polysulfone, fluorine resin or silicon resin.
The insertion portion cover is formed from silicon rubber, fluorine
rubber, thin film Teflon, urethane in part, or the like. Further,
metallic powders provided to make the tip forming portion
impermeable to X-rays, or metals which form the air and water
supply nozzle are formed of metals compatible with living beings.
As regions which may contact mucous membranes within body cavities
or the like are formed from materials compatible with living
beings, a covered endoscope having no infiltration to a patient can
be formed.
When an examination is carried out while the insertion portion is
bent or twisted in agreement with the shape of body cavities, the
covered endoscope installed within the insertion portion cover may
deviate axially, deteriorating the optical characteristics
considerably.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 22, a removable portion 35 having a
clicking mechanism is disposed on the side of a fixation mouth
portion 31 of the insertion portion cover 3a in accordance with an
eighth embodiment so that the fixation mouth portion 31 and the
operation portion 41 (or a hard operation portion cover) of the
covered endoscope 4 can be reliably mounted. An expansion tube 22
protrudes from the side of the fixation mouth portion 31.
In the removable portion 35, an elastic portion 35a is formed in
the fixation mouth portion 31, and a projection 35b is formed in
the elastic portion 35a. Also, a recess 35c is formed at a position
corresponding to the projection 35b in the vicinity of the
operation portion of the covered endoscope 4.
An endoscope insertion hole 36a into which the insertion portion 42
of the covered endoscope 4 is inserted, and a water supply hole 37a
are formed in the fixation mouth portion 31. An endoscope
positioning hole 36b into which the tip portion 42 of the covered
endoscope 4 is inserted and a water supply hole 37b corresponding
to the water supply hole 37a are formed in the tip forming portion
32 facing the fixation mouth portion 31. An observation window 23
and the air and water supply nozzle 24 are disposed in the tip
portion of the tip forming portion 32.
Next, the operation of the cover type endoscope 2 in which the
removable means 35 is formed as described above will be
explained.
When the covered endoscope 4 is inserted into the insertion portion
cover 3a and reaches a predetermined position, the projection 35b
of the elastic portion 35a provided in the fixation mouth portion
31 is fixed, with a click, to the recess 35c formed in the covered
endoscope 4 as one piece.
When the covered endoscope 4 is removed from the insertion portion
cover 3a, the elastic portion 35a provided in the fixation mouth
portion 31 is lifted by fingers, causing the projection 31b to be
removed from the corresponding recess 35c so as to remove the
covered endoscope 4 from the insertion portion cover 3a.
As the removable means 35 is formed in the cover type endoscope 2
in the above-described way, it is possible to make sure that the
covered endoscope 4 has been reliably mounted in the insertion
portion cover 3a. In addition, since there is no risk in that the
covered endoscope and the insertion portion cover do not deviate
axially, endoscope images can always be obtained stably.
Many different embodiments of the present invention may be
constructed without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. It should be understood that the present
invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in
this specification. To the contrary, the present invention is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included with the spirit and scope of the claims. The following
claims are to be accorded the broadest interpretation, so as to
encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and
functions.
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